irresponsible speculation

Is James Harden's Beard Costing the Rockets?

An Albuquerque TV station's report on beard cleanliness went viral this week. Does it help explain the MVP runner-up's playoff woes?

05/07/2015 By Cort McMurray

essay

In Praise of Kitsch

Houston is the town too busy for taste, where the only relevant question is, "Does it look cool?"

05/04/2015 By Cort McMurray

opinion

Bring Back the Astros' Shooting Star Jerseys, Permanently

Last weekend, the 'Stros wore throwback uniforms to celebrate the Astrodome's 50th anniversary. Their superiority was obvious.

04/23/2015 By Cort McMurray

essay

A Mormon's Take On The Book of Mormon

Like Charlie Hebdo, the popular musical mocks religious beliefs. Here's why I'm not planning a terrorist attack.

01/22/2015 By Cort McMurray

Cold Weather Comfort Food

Winter Is Coming: Stock Up on Pierogie

For a Polish kid from upstate New York, there is only one place in Houston where December feels right: Polonia.

12/09/2014 By Cort McMurray

humor

Destiny's Child Lane? Let's Just Rename the City

What better way to improve Houston's image than adopting the name of our most beloved celebrity?

10/28/2014 By Cort McMurray

a modest proposal

Why Houston Should Host The 2022 Winter Olympics

Oslo just bowed out of the competition to host the next winter games. Who's left? Kazakhstan, China, and—us.

10/09/2014 By Cort McMurray

sports

Why Houston Hasn't Embraced José Altuve

The Astros' diminutive second baseman just won the American League batting title, but the city still hasn't gotten behind him. Why? Because the team's lost our support.

10/03/2014 By Cort McMurray

essay

Sushi at the Pasadena Kroger

A disorienting trip to the grocery store triggers memories of Cort McMurray's grandfather, and a less complicated life.

09/25/2014 By Cort McMurray

essay

Apologia Pro Urbe Sua, Part II

Why do so many Houstonians flee the city for the suburbs? Cort McMurray has a few ideas.

09/16/2014 By Cort McMurray

humor

Is Galveston Ready for Nuclear Barge Sturgis?

A floating nuclear reactor from the 1960s will arrive later this year to be disassembled by the Army Corps of Engineers. What could go wrong?

09/09/2014 By Cort McMurray

essay

Apologia Pro Urbe Sua

Houston is not New York and never will be. Deal with it.

09/02/2014 By Cort McMurray